Jumpstart is working towards the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed.

Description and/or History:
Jumpstart’s program features a model of intensive one-to-one adult-child interactions that help economically disadvantaged preschool children build the language, literacy, and social skills that form the foundation of academic and social success.

Created in 1993 by a group of concerned Yale University students looking to service their community by addressing an identified need, Jumpstart began with 15 college students working one-to-one with 15 preschoolers at a New Haven Head Start center. Since then, Jumpstart has become one of the fastest growing non-profit organizations in the country, and is currently serving nearly 15,000 children across 20 states in partnership with more than 300 early learning centers. Jumpstart is also enabling 4,500 college students at 74 universities and colleges throughout the country to reach their full potential through Jumpstart training and hands-on job experience as they guide the development of their partner children.

During Jumpstart’s twelve years of service in New York City, it has grown from a program serving 100 children to one that now touches the lives of thousands of children and families. Currently, Jumpstart New York is reaching over 1,000 at-risk preschool children at 28 preschools throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. These children are working with 300 trained Jumpstart Corps members – students from six universities and colleges across New York City who are performing service while gaining experience that will positively shape their future.

Contact person: Tanesha Dixon, Community Corps VISTA, (212) 868-2526 x15, (email)

Address:

505 Eighth Avenue Suite 1100 New York, NY 10018 (See a map)

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: A,C,E,1,2,3 to 34th street,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5